California AG Bonta Supports Newsom’s Claims Against Trump

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reinforced Governor Gavin Newsom’s accusations regarding the Trump administration’s actions. Bonta supports Newsom’s claims that the Justice Department has been misused to target opponents, highlighting that the investigation involving Newsom and his wife reportedly started in California and not under Trump’s direction in Washington, D.C.

Bonta stated, “This is highly dubious, and there’s no trust in it.” He insists that the Justice Department has been misused frequently by Trump and believes the same is happening now.

Governor Newsom made a public statement that he and his wife, Jen Siebel Newsom, are under investigation by the DOJ. Newsom attributes this to Trump’s orders and alleges that they are on “Donald Trump’s hit list.” He suggests the probe may be a response to speculation about Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential ambitions.

Bonta emphasized Newsom’s prominent status, saying the governor leads the largest state and a major global economy, implying that his political potential could be a reason for the investigation targeting him. According to Bonta, Trump has changed the focus of the DOJ from criminal prosecutions to political persecution.

He also notes a specific instance where Trump allegedly directed former Attorney General Pam Bondi to act against political rivals, eroding public trust in the Justice Department’s intentions.

“If that doesn’t destroy trust and make you doubt the intent behind this probe, I don’t know what else I can tell you,” Bonta commented.

Bonta mentioned that Trump’s misuse of the DOJ includes targeting “shifty Schiff” among others. Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., declined to address questions about whether the probe was initiated by California-based prosecutors instead of Washington, according to reports.

Sources indicate the investigation has been ongoing since 2025, sparked by whistleblower complaints about Newsom and his wife’s personal finances. It’s managed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, without Washington’s directive.

Previously, under President Biden’s administration, an investigation led to corruption charges against Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, involving lying about sharing internal information. Newsom has not been personally implicated in that probe.

Newsom’s office is responding by requesting DOJ records related to interactions with his name or his wife’s during Trump’s term. The request aims to increase transparency regarding the probe’s motivations.